LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
IMS JOB BANK Vaccinations in pharmacies under regulatory review
August 18, 2008
Many questions have arisen regarding the legalities of pharmacists administering vaccines in the pharmacy. The "Legalease" article in the May/June 2008 issue of Iowa Medicine outlines IMS understanding of current regulations. An "authorized" pharmacist may administer flu and pneumococcal vaccines via protocol to adults. They also may administer flu vaccines to children via physician order consistent with requirements referenced in that article.
No additional regulatory guidance has been issued regarding administration of other vaccines by pharmacists. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy and the Iowa Board of Medicine are considering regulatory changes that may expand the listing of those vaccines that pharmacists may administer in the pharmacy and the conditions under which that might occur. Wellmark recently expanded its drug benefit for certain programs to include payment for vaccines administered in those pharmacies that are contracted with Wellmark. Wellmark principally seeks to promote flu and pneumococcal vaccinations and says it is the physician's responsibility to determine if the pharmacy is an appropriate site for other vaccinations. IMS encourages its members to be aware of Iowa regulations and advisories relating to the conditions under which pharmacists may administer identified vaccines in the pharmacy.